Friday, May 30, 2008

Mercury Retrograde is perhaps one of the most widely known Astrological Cycles, even amongst those with no further knowledge of Astrology. Each period is unique but all share something in common. It's a time of repeating, reviewing and re-negotiating the past, which always, without fail, returns to us in some form or another.

This happens three times a year and around each of these key points, I offer a Special Reading which will cover this unique period from Your Perspective - Your chart, Your life, Your options and how You can enhance your life with a look at all of these features

I'll be back soon with more on what this period means for us all in a general sense, but for a personal look at your Chart, and any personal questions regarding this period, then sign up now at the link above!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

What a couple of weeks, what a month, what a year..!I had an abscess that I thought I couldn't clear with natural means, rest, ice packs, heat packs, baths, you name it. I'm a holistic natural guy as many of you know (Chiron conjunct south node in 6th). But as it grew larger and became unbearably painful, I ended up in the Emergency Room here in Los Angeles for what would be a 7 hour visit. Finally I was able to have it drained, and packed. I was put to sleep which scared the heck out of me since I've always felt a little loosely connected to this realm anyway (Pisces Sun square Neptune).

It all went very well, but the antibiotics they gave me (I've never taken any before) caused a strong reaction and I was covered in hives and a rash that looked like major sunburn over my body which set me back.

The gauze was repacked twice and is now healing well, and after I stopped the medication I am clearing up. Back to Live natural yogurt - which I am told helps build back natural bacteria in your body that antibiotics wipe out - and continuing a healthy vegetarian diet again. And LOTS of water - which was something I had been meaning to get back onto again for a while.

With my North Node in the 12th House of my own Chart (using the KOCH house system) it was a period of enforced rest (albeit a lot of it spent in terrible pain), a major time out from work (which I spend so much of time focused on because I love it so much) and many other lessons.

I learned that sometimes, you need a more direct and drastic approach to help the body's healing along. And as an independent soul that is difficult, but again with a Libra North Node, I learned to let others help and I have been to such a degree I cannot give enough thanks.

The sun is more beautiful, food is beautiful, life is wonderful. And I am thankful for the small things. Walking around feeling infallible is nice, but it's even greater to be humbled by the body, reminding us we don't have everything figured out and that we may not be as appreciative of simple pleasures as we may think.

SO that's where I've been - moved from my south node to invest time in being AWAY from everything to experience more of my North Node. A timely lesson of balance (Libra) for me and something to pass on to you too.,

Sometimes things come out of the blue and there is no quick explanation, or anything we're doing WRONG to count for it. But often the problems we experience give us a chance to alter something as simple as a viewpoint, and that is their gift.

Talk about living in the moment...!

And it's MERCURY RETROGRADE right now and you're probably wondering where I am with your news, so stick around and if you need something you can email me here or at neildparis@gmail.com while my website address is reconnected due to my absence.

I'm a one man band most of the time, and for your patience I thank you. Scorpio Risers don't stay down for long, do expect me back to "normal" soon. Uranus is currently EXACTLY on top of my Sun, which came about the night of the surgery, triggering surprise and sudden shifts and changes, and a home move will come about within a month it seems also - in my 4th house of Home, where else would you expect the change.

Astrology continues to make me smile, even through tears of pain. Its nice to be out of the dark tunnel but I give thanks for every experience, every new feeling and every new soul encountered along this particular path.

There's NOTHING WRONG in your life right now, only the perception things aren't going YOUR way. That's a realization I wanted to pass along too. There's no such thing as something being 'wrong' in life, only a chance to change or transform an experience. The beauty of life, as Astrology reveals, is that everything changes, nothing stays the same, the cycles roll on. Utter darkness, will always be followed by the break of dawn.

I'll help you - as always - to do what you can to make it through the night periods, and I'll help you celebrate during those exciting morning hours.

Monday, May 05, 2008

COLOGNE, Germany -- It is not exactly the Nielsen Ratings: German broadcasters are looking to the stars for clues to their audiences' viewing habits.

This week SevenOne Media, the marketing and ad sales arm of broadcasting giant ProSiebenSat.1, published its first Astrology Ratings. They matched up traditional audience data -- who watches what and when -- with viewers' star signs.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

We reach the New Moon once more - this one landing in the sign of the Bull. If you've been keeping track of the blog, you'll know what Taurus represents - its the physical sign of the zodiac, earthy reality, the senses and all things relating to matter you can touch, mold, sculpt - from gardens, to haircuts, to massaging muscles to cooking to counting money.

Since the New Moon is an open door, we're invited for the next two weeks to ENJOY EDEN - whatever that is for you - a comfy fire, nice food, an expensive restaurant, a new pair of shoes, a walk in the park, a visit back to the ocean you haven't seen for years, a hug (are you being touched enough - if you can't get, Give!) satisfying sex, and so forth.

Where is your Eden?

We're not talking religion, we're talking being comfy in your own skin, where all true peace begins.

A few things to watch out for this particular New Moon:

The New Moon squares Neptune, Chiron & the North NodeWe may not be too clear on where we stand financially - technology purchases could be mere fluff/glamor/illusion. Is it a good deal? Is the most expensive the best or will you be cheated out of a bargain you could have found elsewhere?

Losing money could manifest as misplacing a wallet, or having something stolen - all from absentmindedness. Check with your friends to see if you left it with them. Are your friends as trustworthy as you think? Or perhaps things go astray while in public (Neptune in Aquarius relates to loss or theft or confusion with friends/social settings/group events and endeavors).

Also, we NEED to stay grounded when it comes to physical and financial affairs. Don't get so carried away you lose common sense. Stick with the tried and true and eternal, as the temporary pursuit of pleasure is just that - temporary and transitory.

Since the New Moon also squares CHIRON, the asteroid of Healing, new information and new ways of doing things are at hand, but we may be so busy caught up in the physical PROBLEMS of our current life situation, we fail to see that if we just stand back and detach (Aquarius) we'll get an overview that shows it's really not that bad.

We need to repair damage, and old wounds resurface helping us regain our sense of self, our self-esteem. You're worth it right? Right? If you're having a hard time answering that, this lunar phase will butt heads with you until you demand the best and be the best. That's when you'll attract the best.

Stubbornly staying put or staying the same attracts trouble this lunar phase. You're meant to go slow and enjoy what you have and where you are and protect and savor that...BUT...(isn't there always a But?!....you HAVE to continue shaking free of any perceived shackles. Continue moving while enjoying the simple pleasures, but do keep moving.

Keep it fresh while enjoying tradition.

On the flip side: The New Moon trines Jupiter in Capricorn.

Finances improve by continuing to focus on what you enjoy doing with your life. Career benefits, promotions and new possibilities open up, allowing you to CASH IN ON YOUR NATURAL TALENTS.

Right now - you posses some specific traits that, if applied, could turn your financial life around. Remember that. You don't need to learn something, just apply what you're already good at. So KEEP SHARING YOUR TALENT. Anywhere, everywhere. Get under the noses of the big guns and show off.

What do you value?

Whatever you focus on, grows. This New Moon invest in things that make you feel comfy and cared for. Seeds grow in the strangest of places - plant some new ones this Monday and for the next two weeks, keep it simple, keep it real and give your time and energy to only things you think are worthwhile. Leave the rest and move on...

And as we've said before - give thanks, be thankful and show thanks for what you have. The good times have only just begun. Keep your eye on the prize, YOUR prize, and keep a smile on your face knowing it's all unfolding as it should.Eat, drink, laugh, dance, sing - and be merry. The Universe loves a party, so host one in your heart today...and more generous guests will be sent your way.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Saturn aids our career quests, our desire to 'get a handle on our lives', and in building a reality that truly suits us.

We've all been forced to go inside and write New Rules for living - changing the goalposts, and redrawing the invisible boundaries inside us since Saturn was retrograde pulling its focus within.

Saturn has now gone Direct which means it's time to bring OUT all we have done inside - to effect and enjoy change in our outer world. It's time to change the physical lines outside of us or we suddenly find new Laws of Living thrust upon us.

Expect 'stuff' to start manifesting in terms of your career path, new rules and regulations, a new life structure, a new discipline, a renewed dedication. Stay flexible, bend with the wind, and the climb to the summit is made all the easier now.

Those who have worked hard since Saturn went retrograde (Dec 19 2007) will find the rewards finally arriving. New directions and new respect are found outside, since we realigned ourselves with our inner purpose. Honors, leads, promotions, public approval - all of this and more. A sense of doing well and making a contribution, being a Master in your own special area of life. A job well done.

Those who have avoided working on what was before then, will feel a little left behind,the rewards withheld, and time forcing them to pick up the thread and deal with things, before any sense of progress can be felt. You can't escape what you came here to work on - life always finds you, just where you are. So why not relax and enjoy working through it all one event at a time?

Capricorns & Capricorn Risings will feel this as a major period. Ironing out the wrinkles serves you well. Life now opens up new possibilities, a new road, a new challenge. You can handle it, and now you get to prove that to yourself.

The rest of us feel the change wherever Capricorn is found in our Charts. If you need help, try the Astrology 101 Free Tools at my site to get your chart and decipher it.

Also, wherever Saturn is transiting now (whichever House he's found in) will outline where your specific changes will be.

What do you stand for?What do you want to achieve next?What fear are you ready to break through?

Keep your head held high - it may not be easy, but true success is boldly continuing on, in the face of unknown terror, questionable dirt roads, fallen trees and missing signposts.

If you're not happy with your current direction, life opens up a new side road.If you are happy and seeking endorsement or a universal sign you're on the right road, stay tuned - it's closer than you think, if not already at your door right now.